The essential guide to paint

I have to admit I love to paint! I like how it makes such an instant impact on any space! All paints are made of four key ingredients: pigments, binders, liquids, and additives. Usually the more pigment used to make the paint, the better the quality it will be. A ratio of 30 to 45 % binder and pigments by volume is an indicator a paint will be durable and provide good coverage with lasting color. Here are a few tips to remember about paint.

• When choosing paint for bathrooms and kitchens, these benefit from durable, mildew-resistant paint.
• Water-based paints are usually referred to as emulsions and were traditionally used only for interior walls and ceilings. But recently, tremendous advances in paint technology mean that water-based formulas, especially high-performing acrylics, are available for all surfaces, from woodwork to metal, and for interior and exterior use. Soap and water cleanup is all you need for water-based paints.
• Oil-based paints are used where a durable finish is required. And are used for both interior and exterior. The clean-up, however, needs a paint thinner. Water will not clean your paintbrush.

Two things you need to consider when choosing a type or sheen of paint:

1. How much wear and tear will the surface get.
2. Is a sheen going to conflict with your decorating scheme?

The sheen of a paint is the amount of light reflected by the surface of a paint finish. There are four basic sheens:

1. Flat Paints provide a matte finish. This finish helps hide surface imperfections and is normally used for ceilings and walls not subjected to a lot of wear and tear like dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms {ones not used by small children, of course}.
2. Satin Finish is also known as eggshell finish. This has a soft sheen similar to that of the shell of an egg. A satin finish provides a harder surface finish, which is more durable and more stain-resistant than a flat paint. This durability makes satin paint a good choice for walls in children’s rooms, hallways, stairways, and family rooms.
3. Semi-gloss paints are very durable, are easier to clean, and are more stain-resistant than satin finish paints. Semi-gloss paints are most often used on heavy-wear surfaces or areas that are frequently cleaned, such as your kitchen and bathrooms. Semi-gloss paint is also used on wood trim and cabinets.
4. Gloss Paint is a harder, more durable, more stain-resistant paint finish. It is easier to clean than all the other paint finishes. Gloss finishes generally make surface imperfections more noticeable, however. Gloss finishes are the best choice for heavy-wear areas like kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, cabinets, floors, stairs, handrails, high-traffic doors, and trim.

Don’t be afraid to paint! It’s only color, and if you don’t like it you can always change it! Happy painting!

Until next time,

Enjoy your day, your family, and your home! ❤

~Sandra